Walt Disney World has already announced its 2028 closure for the Disney Skyliner for maintenance. The Skyliner 2028 closure will run from January 24 through February 2, 2028, according to information released by Walt Disney World.
The 10-day closure will affect the entire Skyliner system. The aerial gondola network normally connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with four Walt Disney World resort hotels.
During the refurbishment, Walt Disney World will provide complimentary bus transportation between the affected resorts and the two theme parks normally served by the Skyliner. The bus service will give guests an alternative while the gondolas remain closed.
When Will the Disney Skyliner Close in 2028?
The Disney Skyliner will close from January 24 through February 2, 2028.
The Walt Disney World Skyliner – YouTube, Undercover Tourist
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The 2028 shutdown will last longer than the previously announced 2027 refurbishment. Disney currently lists the 2027 Skyliner closure for January 24 through January 30.
Which Disney Resorts Will Be Affected?
The Disney Skyliner directly connects four Walt Disney World resort hotels with the transportation network. They are:
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
The system also connects those resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT.
Guests staying at one of the four connected resorts during the closure will not have access to the gondolas. Instead, they can use the complimentary bus transportation provided during the refurbishment.
What Maintenance Will Disney Perform?
Disney has described the 2028 work as a routine refurbishment, with no further details. The company closes the Skyliner for maintenance almost annually in the slower period following the Christmas season.
The Walt Disney World Skyliner – YouTube, Undercover Tourist
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This refurbishment will be slightly longer, as most years it lasts only a week at most. It also marks the first time the refurbishment window stretches into February.
- 2021: January 24–28
- 2022: January 23–28
- 2023: January 22–29
- 2024: January 16–27
- 2025: No scheduled refurbishment closure.
- 2026: January 25–31
- 2027: January 24–30
- 2028: January 24–February 2
Why the 2028 Dates Matter for Hotel Planning
The early announcement gives travelers advance notice when considering a Walt Disney World stay in January or February 2028.
Guests who select Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century or Riviera Resort because of the Skyliner connection should account for the temporary loss of gondola service. Extra time will likely be needed to travel to the parks.
The Walt Disney World Skyliner – YouTube, Undercover Tourist
The announcement also gives travelers an opportunity to compare transportation arrangements before making hotel reservations. Those who do not want to rely on buses for transportation to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios can select dates outside the refurbishment window.
About the Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is an aerial gondola transportation system at Walt Disney World Resort. It opened on September 29, 2019, connecting EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Disney’s Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Riviera resorts. The system uses continuously moving gondola cabins suspended from overhead cables.
Each gondola features Disney characters ranging from the classics such as Mickey and Donald, to those from more recent movie franchises such as Coco and Wreck-it-Ralph, to beloved Disney movies such as Peter Pan.
What Is Confirmed About the Disney Skyliner 2028 Closure
The Skyliner will close from January 24 through February 2, 2028 for routine maintenance.
The resort hotels connected – Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Riviera Resort – can expect bus services to and from the parks.
Does your family enjoy riding on the Skyliner? Sound off and let us know your thoughts.
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